Philippine Normal University (PNU) Mindanao welcomed evaluators from the Teacher Education Council (TEC) on May 12–13 for the on-site assessment process of the 2026 Centers of Excellence (COE) Identification and Designation — a rigorous two-day exercise that tested the institution’s standards in instruction, research, extension services, and institutional support.
The field visit formally opened with a courtesy meeting between TEC evaluators and university officials, establishing the flow of activities and mutual expectations for the assessment. The TEC team acknowledged the university’s warm reception and recognized its commitment to advancing quality teacher education through its COE application. The team lead made clear, however, that the field visit does not guarantee designation, as all findings remain subject to further review and final approval by the council. Evaluators emphasized that the process is both evaluative and developmental — designed not only to measure compliance with established COE criteria but also to identify institutional strengths and areas for continued growth.
On the first day, the assessment team conducted a thorough review of institutional documents and exhibits supporting the university’s performance indicators. Classroom observations were also carried out, giving evaluators direct insight into instructional delivery and student engagement. Among the classes observed were the fourth-year and third-year Bachelor in Mathematics and Science Elementary Education (BMSEE) students. Evaluators likewise toured key campus facilities — including learning resource centers and academic spaces — to assess the adequacy and utilization of institutional resources. The day concluded with consultations involving administrators and faculty, focused on governance, teaching practices, and program implementation.
The second and final day broadened the scope of assessment to include student support services, research initiatives, extension programs, and community engagement. The evaluation team conducted dialogues with a wide range of stakeholders — students, alumni, faculty, non-teaching personnel, and university officials — gathering firsthand perspectives on how PNU Mindanao’s programs and systems contribute to the holistic development of future educators.
Extension heads and partner stakeholders also presented the university’s outreach initiatives and collaborative community partnerships, underscoring the institution’s active role in fostering educational development across the region over the years. University officials expressed that the field visit served not only as a formal evaluation but also as a meaningful opportunity to showcase the institution’s strengths and reaffirm its mission as a multicultural learning hub in Mindanao.
The two-day activity officially closed with messages from both the assessment team and university administrators, reaffirming the institution’s dedication to excellence, accountability, innovation, and service in Philippine education. With the successful conclusion of the field visit, PNU Mindanao remains optimistic as it awaits the outcome of the COE review process — continuing its pursuit of national recognition and its enduring commitment to producing competent, values-driven, and globally responsive educators
